NONEY, July 29: A Naga Village Guard (NVG) was killed and two others were injured in an alleged firing by personnel of the CRPF’s CoBRA unit during a security operation near the boundary of Bitiang (Laphok) Village under Khoupum Police Station in Manipur’s Noney district on Wednesday morning.
The deceased has been identified as Lanbimei Riamei (25), son of Kadirang Riamei of Longmai-3, Noney district. One of the injured has been identified as Loveson Inkah (25) of Kabuikhullen Village, while the identity of the second injured person was not immediately available.
According to local sources, around 162 CRPF CoBRA personnel, accompanied by senior officers, arrived in the area at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The team reportedly conducted aerial surveillance using drones before launching the operation early on Wednesday.
Sources alleged that security personnel opened fire at around 7:00 a.m., resulting in the death of one Village Guard and injuries to two others. However, the circumstances surrounding the firing could not be independently verified at the time of publication.
The incident sparked protests as women and youth from several villages in the Longmai area gathered at the site, alleging that the security personnel had used excessive force against the Village Guards.
A delegation of the Joint Tribe Council Manipur (JTCM), led by Convenor Shri Merachao Inkah, accompanied by Smt. Chingdinliu, President of Rongmei Naga Luphuam Manipur, visited the location and held discussions with security officials.
The JTCM questioned the circumstances leading to the death of the Village Guard and the injuries sustained by the volunteers. The organisation also raised concerns over previous security operations, alleging that armed Kuki militants had escaped during earlier operations without arrests or casualties.
The council announced that it would pursue appropriate legal action over the incident and urged security forces to withdraw from the area to prevent further escalation of public unrest.
Meanwhile, the Joint Tribe Council Manipur, representing the Inpui, Liangmei, Rongmei and Zeme communities, declared an emergency total shutdown across the affected areas. According to the organisation, the shutdown will remain in force until justice is delivered.
Former Manipur MLA Samuel Jendai also strongly condemned the killing of Lanbimei Riamei, describing the incident as a tragic loss of innocent life and calling for a fair, impartial, independent and time-bound investigation.
In a statement issued on July 29, Jendai said he was “deeply shocked” by the reported death of Riamei during the alleged CRPF CoBRA operation at Bitiang Village.
“The loss of any innocent life is heartbreaking and such incidents only deepen the pain, fear and mistrust already experienced by our people,” he stated.
He added that every citizen has the fundamental right to life and dignity and stressed that the use of force must always be exercised with restraint, accountability and respect for human rights.
Jendai further expressed concern over reports that security personnel were involved in the incident, stating that forces entrusted with maintaining peace must inspire confidence among the public rather than fear. He warned that incidents of this nature weaken public trust and undermine the very purpose of security operations.
Extending his condolences to the bereaved family and the community, the former legislator urged the Government and the concerned authorities to order a fair, impartial, independent and time-bound investigation to establish the truth, ensure accountability and deliver justice.
He also appealed to the public to remain calm and pursue justice through lawful and peaceful means, saying that justice for Lanbimei Riamei would reaffirm the value of every human life and strengthen the rule of law.
Editor’s Note: The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. At the time of publication, no official statement had been issued by the CRPF, Manipur Police or the district administration regarding the alleged firing. This report will be updated as official responses become available.
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